The revolutionary results of an experiment carried out in 2021 have not yet been repeated with the same effectiveness
Scientists have confirmed that they have realized for the first time in the laboratory a nuclear fusion reaction that is self-perpetuating instead of disappearing immediately, thus coming closer to mimicking the chemical reaction that powers the Sun and could lead to a clean and sustainable source of energy. However, the researchers are still not exactly sure how to recreate the experiment and achieve the same energy output, which reached an output of 1.3 megajoules (MJ) of energy.
Researchers from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), in the United States, confirmed through three new studies recently published in the journals Physical Review Letters and Physical Review E, that an experiment carried out exactly one year ago, in August 2021, set a record for performance and self-sufficiency in nuclear fusion processesreleasing more than 1.3 megajoules (MJ) of energy and becoming self-perpetuating.
However, in recent months the scientists tried to replicate the result in four similar experiments, but only achieved half the energy yield achieved in the initial experiment. Despite this, published studies confirm that, after decades of work, the first successful ignition of a nuclear fusion reaction was achieved. According to a press release, it is an unprecedented advance in the search for nuclear fusion processes that are truly viable as an energy source for mass use.
Nuclear fusion and fission
The nuclear fusion It takes place when two atoms integrate to produce a heavier atom, releasing a huge burst of energy in the process. Although it can be found in nature, the phenomenon is very difficult to replicate in the laboratory, because a high-energy environment is required to sustain the reaction over the long term.
In the reverse process, the Nuclear fision (the division of a nucleus into lighter nuclei) these phenomena happen in opposite directions. It is the criterion currently used in nuclear energy, but with characteristics that make it dangerous for social use: nuclear fusion would obtain a higher energy yield than nuclear fission and without negative environmental consequences. Nuclear fusion does not produce any polluting emissions, does not generate long-term radioactive waste and does not bear the risks related to an uncontrolled nuclear reaction.
For example, the sun generates energy through nuclear fusion, by joining hydrogen atoms to create helium. Supernovae, those giant exploding stars, also take advantage of nuclear fusion. Through these reactions, heavier molecules, such as iron, are created. However, artificial environments on Earth are not as efficient: heat and energy escape through cooling mechanisms, such as X-ray radiation or heat conduction.
a big step
What is required to make nuclear fusion become a viable energy source for humans? In principle, ignition must be achieved, which would be like the “ignition & rdquor; of the system, through which self-heating mechanisms overcome energy loss and make production viable. When the ignition has been obtained, the nuclear fusion reaction is self-sustainingly activated.
The historic experiment carried out on August 8, 2021 produced the first successful ignition of a nuclear fusion reaction, with high energy production and verification of its ability to self-perpetuate. Now, the next challenge is to recreate those conditions so that the process can be scaled up to create nuclear fusion reactors that can power entire citiesmarking a great advance in solving the energy and environmental problems that afflict the planet.
References
Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment. H. Abu-Shawareb et al. Physical Review Letters (2022). DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001
Experimental achievement and signatures of ignition at the National Ignition Facility. AB Zylstra et al. Physical Review E (2022). DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.106.025202
Design of an inertial fusion experiment exceeding the Lawson criterion for ignition. AL Kritcher et al. Physical Review E (2022). DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.106.025201